Polari has a number of terms to describe different units of currency. In this lesson, some of these terms will be taught alongside example sentences. Be sure to look at the key vocabulary section so that you understand the example sentences.
As you will note, the system of currency in this lesson reflects British pre-decimal currency. This is because Polari was primarily spoken when British currency was not yet decimalised (before 1971) (University of Nottingham, n.d.). If you are not familiar with British pre-decimal currency, this webpage by the University of Nottingham provides a detailed explanation.
Quartereen Farthing
I had only a quartereen to parker.
Medzer Half
The medzer-soldi is a bronze coin.
Soldi Penny
The mummer had all the soldi coming his way.
Thrums Threepence
A thrums is tray soldi.
Beone/Denar Shilling
Entrance to the gaff is dooey beone, or dooey denar in other terms.
Caroon Crown
I parkered a medzer-caroon to the slang-cove.
Funt Pound
A funt to the cadger was like winning the lottery.
Dinarly/Measures Money
I parkered all my measures and now I’ve nanti dinarly.
Key Vocabulary
parker: give
mummer: actor
tray: three
dooey: two
parkered: gave
slang-cove: performer
cadger: beggar
parkered: spent
It can be difficult to remember the above terms, especially if you are not familiar with British pre-decimal currency. For this reason, you can use the video below to test your knowledge.
Next Lesson: Clothing
In this lesson, you will learn terms for different articles of clothing in Polari.
Boyno Polari 